Dare to Dream

I had to share this because I just get so excited at the possibilities in life!  For so many years I was afraid to dream.  I was afraid to get my hopes up for them to just be dashed again and again.  For years the scripture in Proverbs that says "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick," was my life mantra!  It wasn't until I really looked at that fear head on and decided to deal with it, that I truly realized change was imminent!   So for nearly 7 years now, I have been diligent in persuading my heart of not only God's promises, but also the proper placement of my hope in those promises! 

Proper placement of our hopes and dreams begin with partnering with God!  He should be our "hope / dream keeper!"  I used to place hope in things or people, however that is when my hopes and dreams had a negative impact in my heart, which continued a cyclic chaos, that brought forth an "I give up" result!  

When I finally got sick and tired of being sick and tired, I made a decision!  I said, God, my Bible says I was not designed to live this way, and although my experience has contradicted what Your Word tells me, I'm choosing to believe You, over me and God, you need to show me how to make this journey with You!  This brought on an extraordinary journey of doing things afraid and believing God that good would come from the brokenness of my heart!  There were a lot of broken places in there that needed God's redemption and restoration!  As God and I have made the journey together, and I've invested His word in my heart, and talked with Him about my fears, and crying my eyes out more times than I can count, as well as surrounding myself with a plethura of leaders, teachers, mentors, etc., that can encourage me, I can say, my heart is well in this area now!  I want to keep it well so I keep investing in myself to not only maintain it, but to also expand my heart and dream bigger! 

Listen, God often leads us by the desires of our heart and the desires I have welled up in there, need my partner, God!  He is my hope keeper!  He is my dream keeper!  If you are depending on people to make your dream happen, change your way of thinking!  Depend on God to make it happen and He'll bring the right people to accomplish His dream for you!!!  You know when you follow God, it's His dream for your life!  Looks a little differently when you begin to see it that way, doesn't it? 

One of the dreams I believe God has for me is to travel!  I want to do huge concerts and have inspiring conferences that infuse people with possibility!  I want them to dare to dream and dare to hope, but trusting in the right ONE to make the dreams and hopes possible!  Not everyone will understand why you dream what you dream!  The right people will however!

The other night I was outside in parking lot of the church I attend.  My pastor had just taught and in his teaching he shared about a pastor in South Africa believing God for a larger home.  At the time he lived with his wife and child in a tiny 1 bedroom apartment.  When people would come over he would say "this is my master suite, this is the guest bedroom, this is my office, etc."  He literally would just be turning around in one place, pointing at areas in this tiny apartment. A few years later, someone built this huge home for him and his family!  So as my friend Michele and I were talking about this, I pointed to the parking lot and said, "Michele, look at my huge tour bus!  It's everything I wanted.  It's black with big silver swirls (I love black and silver) and shiny wheels.  The master suite is mine, but there are plenty of bunks for all of us.  We can all switch the master suite every week so we all can enjoy it!  Oh, you'll have to deal with my dogs too.  The dogs go with me on the road!  See the big TDahl written on the side there?  Well, Michele, let's get on the bus, its time to ride!"  Just as I finished speaking that, no joke, a big tour bus that was black with silver swirls passes right by the church!  I flipped out and started jumping up and down and screaming with this hope that exploded in my heart!!  The bus missed its stop because it didn't turn around and pick us up, but hey, the fact is, I saw a glimpse of the dream and it made my heart soar with excitement!!! 

So can I just encourage you to get on board with God and dream big!!!  HOPE HUGE!!!  The possibilities are limitless with God!!!

TDahl

Leading By Example

I will preface this blog with a sincere thank you to those who speak into my life!  Your leadership and guidance has been and continues to be priceless in my life. 

Those who know me pretty well, know that leadership is something I study, read about, attend workshops on, etc., because God created me to be a leader.  Hindsight is 20/20 and I can honestly say that I was born a leader!  I didn't recognize that as a young girl.  I just knew that somehow I influenced others in both good and bad ways.  As a teenager, my friend's parents even recognized that my influence was very strong and tried to keep their children away from me at times.  Lets just say I was not the most compliant individual when it came to authority!  I was never afraid to stand alone when I was standing up for something that was right.  Guess what?  That still hasn't changed, when it comes to standing up for something that is right!   

When I re-committed my life to Jesus on August 17th, 1994 I began learning about godly leadership through the guidance of Dad and Mom Heisey.  I lived with them during my pregnancy and until Mikayla was about 6 months old.  Dad was the leader of their home and he exhibited a godly example in both love and truth!  He was not afraid to confront things, yet he still made you feel loved in the process.  I remember watching Dad study his Bible every morning for a few hours before his day started.  I would sometimes sleep in his office (there was a bed in there) just so I could wake up to the light that was on his desk shining to illuminate his Bible and notebook.  I watched him intently.  He knew I would wake up at about 5:00 (even though I had been awake watching him for about an hour and he didn't know it), so about 5 minutes before, he would stop his studying and go to the kitchen and make me a cup of coffee.  He would set it next to the bed and go back to his studying.  I would awake (lol) and sit and drink my coffee and talk with him about what he was studying.  Can I just say his influence with actions was, and still is, so powerful in my life.  Dad's leadership, coupled with his servant's heart has influenced my life so much!

I began to study leadership.  I even completed a 2 year internship with my former pastor and then was formally ordained as a minister in 1998.  I was in leadership at my church and served them for 6 out of the 8 years I attended there.  I started a non-profit ministry and began to minister to women in the adult entertainment industry.  I preached on Monday nights at my church for a period of time as well.  It was in my heart to lead people.  I didn't just want to lead people, I wanted to be an effective leader!  That meant living what I was learning, and for sure living what I was teaching!!  I'm far from perfect, and I make a lot of mistakes - however I have set strong boundaries for myself and I continue to evaluate those boundaries as I learn more and more about leading people.  

Recently, I had a conversation with a few individuals and I was livid as to what they were sharing with me regarding leadership issues.  I had to really watch my tongue and harness it with great care.  I've been meditating on the things they've shared and thus prompted my blog. 

I think there is a deception that is running rampant within the body of Christ.  The body of Christ is beginning to look like the world!  They have tried to fit in to draw people, rather than stand out and have people say "I want what you have."  If you say anything, then you are accused of being judgmental.  I accept people as they are, but I can tell you, they would not be placed in a position of leadership if there wasn't a higher standard operating in their personal lives.  If someone in a position of leadership has a failure, then they should be removed so they can be restored.  It's setting a boundary, and placing that person's healing above everything else, as well as protecting those they are influencing!  It's addressing issues head on, as uncomfortable as that may be - it's the responsible thing to do!

There were many conversations I had with Dad Heisey over the course of my time in his home.  There were conversations of correction, advice, affirmation, physical hugs and I love you's!  There were times he stood up to protect me when others had differing opinions.  There were times he sat me down and declared boundaries in his home!  His leadership was and still is priceless in my life!!  It's the reason I choose the mentors I do, in my own life! 

Let me tell you first hand - I DO NOT HAVE "YES" PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!  The people I've chosen to surround myself with and given them the authority to speak into my life, are those who are not afraid to communicate the truth with me and be completely authentic in that communication.  The people in my life do not have to walk on eggshells with me!  I feel this is very important for growth - both personally as well as in leading others!

There is another area in which I feel is incredibly important!  Making big decisions!  Decisions affect others!  When you have decisions to make that have the potential to impact a great deal of people, I follow the advice I received from a very wise man.  He said, "Tammy, whether you're married, or running a business, follow this rule of thumb...if you have to make a high impact decision, consult with others who have, A. made the decision in the past and can advise you of the high's and low's, and B.  No matter what, don't make the decision until your spouse, or board, or core (whatever you want to call them) are totally on board and in agreement - with absolutely no arm twisting or persuasion from you."  Can I tell you that piece of advice has saved me from making so many bad decisions.  I can also tell you that I've ignored that advice and have had to reap consequences of those decisions and it hasn't been fun!

Leadership is a responsibility I feel many don't take seriously enough.  That's my personal opinion of course.  There are so many areas in which, I personally want to become a better leader!  I will continue to study, grow, and learn in this area!  I will continue to lead by example and hopefully influence others to do the same!  When I fail, I know I've surrounded myself with wise, experienced individuals that will stretch out their hand to help me up, brush off the dust, and help me begin again - a wiser, more experienced individual myself!

TDahl



The Sarah's

The Sarah's...What Does that Mean?

So here's the story...About 3 1/2 years ago now, I read about an audition for a lead singer for a band that was forming.  I called the number and reached Michele Troesch (Drummer).  I had absolutely no idea this phone call would change my life, in so many ways. 

I had just re-embraced music.  Something I had run from for so many years.  My journey has not been easy at all.  I always knew that I had this gift, but nothing ever prepared me for the times it would leave me alone and rejected.  I've been singing since I was like 5 years old and when you're a small kid, people embrace you and say things like "awww that's so sweet," or "aren't you just precious."  However, when you reach the adolescent years people become cruel and mean.  I remember trying out for a solo back in 7th grade.  I can't remember the name of the song, but here are a few lyrics I remember..."The lone wild bird in lofty flight."  I can't tell you how true that lyrical line has been for my life.  I didn't get the solo part that day, but the girl who did, sure rubbed it in my face and had an ego as big as Texas (probably bigger).  It seems that I've been around people with huge ego's my entire life and it truly nauseates me to be honest.  Can I just say that those with huge EGO's are usually the most insecure people I've ever known!  Ego is false confidence and it tries to make others feel small and insignificant!  That breaks my heart, because we are all significant in God's kingdom and no one should make anyone feel less than, so they can feel better about themselves for a moment! 

There are so many stories I could tell you in my musical journey, but one thing I'm thankful for, looking back now, is I feel life has taught me an attitude of gratitude!  Because of my own personal journey and the things I've gone through, the rejection I've experienced, the mistakes I've made throughout life, I feel God has given me a passion for people! Especially those that are cast off and rejected!  Those one's are the treasures and I'm a treasure seeker for Christ!  

So back to my phone call with Michele.  We set up an audition time and I can say I was a bundle of nerves.  So I show up and the piece I had prepared was "Shadows of the Night" by Pat Benatar.  I love that song and I can nail the vocals comfortably, even when I'm nervous. There were also a few others there that wanted to jam with their guitars.  Can I just tell you that I knew I had a connection with Michele when we saw the "EGO's" in that room.  It was like each guitar player was trying to outshine the other one.  It was crazy!  We just kind of looked over at each other with this expression on our faces that were screaming..."REALLY??"  It was hilarious, but sad at the same time. It turned both of our stomachs!! 

Michele and I kept in touch periodically over the next 2 years.  We connected again when her son, Cody, competed at the fair.  So we got to catch up a little bit.  Then one day, Cody shows up to worship practice at the church I attend, to play drums for us.  I was like...what?  That ignited the journey.  Soon after that, I was asked to start leading worship on Wednesday nights.  I really wanted a drummer, so I called Michele and asked her to play for me.  She agreed!  I was so excited!!  Throughout this last year and a half now, we've built such a solid friendship.  We've gotten to know each other's hearts and have been able to serve together in various venues!  It's been amazing!!  Her son, Cody is like the son I never had.  He writes amazing music!  He wrote the music for "Beyond My Limits" (my title track on my debut worship album) and we co-wrote the lyrics together.  We've just got an amazing connection personally and in Christ!!  He's just the real deal!!

Over the past year, Michele has been working hard at building The Sarah's.  We've met some amazing people and our band members thus far, are off the chain amazing!  We're still looking for a female lead guitarist and a rythym guitarist, but we know the right people will enter the picture soon.  We want the right fit!  We want the God fit!!

The Sarah's...What does that mean?  Well, if you look at Sarah in the Bible, her dream came to pass in the latter years of her life.  She had a promise from God for years!  She even tried to make the promise happen in her own flesh and it made a mess of things!  However, the promise from God came to pass with the birth of Isaac.  With that said, we are just some God's girls with age ranges of 30's, 40's, and 50's, that have some pretty amazing and crazy life experiences.  Music has always been our dream and we are fully embracing the God gifts within us, and we will touch the world!  We will share our unique stories!  We will inspire others to live full out for God!  We will encourage others to embrace their mistakes in life and watch God make something beautiful out of the mess! 

We're "The Sarah's" and we are making our mark for the Kingdom of God! 

In His Grip, Grace, and AMAZING Strength,

TDahl

Lead Vocalist

The Sarahs
http://www.thesarahs.com/
http://www.tammydahl.com/

I Have a Path Just For You to Travel

Excerpt from my 31 Day Devotional - What Did He Say About Me?

“I Have a Path Just For You to Travel”

Daily Scripture

Psalm 16:11 AMP

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Daily Devotion

The promise here is that He will show us “the” path of life. Not just “a” path of life. No, this scripture is specific in saying “the” path of life. Maybe you feel like you don’t have a purpose. Maybe you feel like you don’t matter. God created each and every one of us for His pleasure. He delights in us! He created us to love and serve us! Yes, you read that statement correctly. He wants to serve you!!

Jesus said that He did only what He saw the Father do and Jesus served those around Him. Jesus cared so much for other’s that He literally laid down His very own life to change the very course of history. God promises to show us “the” path of life.

What do you think of when you hear the word “life”? Maybe life has not been so good to you and thus far you’ve experienced just “a” path and not “the” path. Maybe you’ve been hurt deeply and life has not treated you kindly.

In our daily scripture, the Psalmist David trusted that God would show him “the” path of life – he continued with saying that In His presence IS fullness of joy. There is a connection here. “The” path of life is shown to us when we are in His presence.

Think of a time when you have had the most fun. Go ahead, picture it and envision it in your mind. Ok, think about everything you experienced that day. You may be laughing right now just pulling up that memory in the filing cabinet of your mind. Now compare that time and times it by infinity and that is what you will experience in God’s presence. He promises that there is FULLNESS of JOY! His path of life will bring you Joy, but for Him to show us “the” path, we must be in His presence. God’s path of life will bring you out of any despair as you travel with Him. God’s path for you is for you, and not anyone else. That is why it is so important to experience His presence and get to know Him intimately. His path for you has purpose and destiny.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up and compare yourself to someone else’s path and think that you are behind in life. It’s also easy to get wrapped up in thinking you are so much further ahead than someone else and you get proud and boastful about it. Yet, when we do that, we are not really allowing God to direct our path. When we allow God to lead us down His path, we are also learning God’s ways as He is teaching us along the way. We don’t need to get in the trap of comparing ourselves with anyone else. God has chosen the path for you and no one else. God has put specific talents and strengths in you for the path He has chosen for you. It may appear that someone else has the same talents and they are doing the same thing, but I can assure you that God doesn’t duplicate you! There is no one else like you and there never will be.

TDahl

A Letter to My Mom

I read such an amazing article a few weeks ago "10 Things I Would Say to My Mother....if she were still alive."  As I read those personal things that the author shared, tears began to well up in my eyes and started slowly streaming down my face along with the emotion of "I have got to do this....while my mom is alive!"  So this is what I wrote to her.  I hope it may inspire those of you who are still blessed to have your mother living, to share too!

So here goes...

(not in any particular order)                      

1.  Mom, remember that time we just took off in someone else's car you borrowed because you were afraid ours wouldn't make the road trip?  We didn't know where we were headed but we ended up in Wisconsin Dells.  You paid for us to go to the water park and I said I didn't have a bathing suit....you said "oh, you only live once....slide down this water slide in your jeans and t-shirt!"  I froze my butt off all the way home, but that memory is the flippin' best ever!  Thank you for the adventure!!!

2.  I loved getting up with you super early when you owned the restaurant.  I know we laugh about this all the time, but I loved super huge pancakes.  You would always let me cook it on the grill, but this one time I poured so much batter on the grill that it was HUGE!  If my pancakes got too dark I wouldn't eat them so I ran back to the kitchen and said "Mom, Mom....come flip my pancake!"  You were running to the grill and you flipped that huge thing like a pro!  You were my hero then and you are my hero now!!!

3.  The trip to Minneapolis to see my Grandma Dahl and we found out she had passed away....you did everything you could to be sure I at least reconnected with my Dad.  We went to "Denny's" and you and my dad had a great time together and I got to spend time with him which made me feel so amazing.  I love that you never said anything bad about my dad and always protected that "Prince" image I had in my heart for him...even though he wasn't part of my life.  I loved our road trips together!! 

4.  Our Dukes of Hazzard clunker of a car!  It was so embarrassing to climb out of that dumb car window in the dead of winter because the doors wouldn't work.  The exhaust fumes almost made us pass out it was so bad....but shoot, looking back we had some pretty hilarious laughs over that car!!  Vroom Vroom piece of junk!  You always made everything positive, even though I now understand because of life in general, how hard that must have been for you.  Thank you for always being so incredibly optimistic.  I love that about you.....

5.  Your endless advice!!!  Oh how I love to talk with you about anything and get your input.  You've always loved me unconditionally.  You tell it to me straight up!  Sometimes your candidness frustrates me, especially when you see something I refuse to look at.  Yet, this is the essence of who you are!  You don't sugar coat things in life and I love that about you.  You have a protective eye and watch out for me. 

6.  Your investment in cultivating my gift!  My voice!  From the time I was a little kid through today, you constantly invest in this voice of mine!  I remember at about the age of 7, we went on our yearly family vacation to Camp Chetek.  They asked me to sing for the service one evening.  I went up to that big pulpit that swallowed me whole, and the pastor moved his chair up to the podium so I could stand on that!  I remember climbing that chair and looking out to a crowd of about about 800 to 1000 people.  I delivered my song and you were just smiling ear to ear!!  Now in my adult years, leading worship on certain occasions, I still look for you in that front row...smiling ear to ear!!!   Speaking of music....I'll never ever forget the time you sang in church (you sang a lot) the most beautiful rendition of the song "Ten Thousand Angels."  Wow!!!  Blew me away as a little girl watching my Mommy sing!!   I wish I had that recorded!!! 

7.   I loved how you encouraged my love for animals.  I would rescue anything I could...still do!  You taught me responsibility by giving me responsibility of a living thing that depended on my care if it was going to survive.  It wasn't an option.  I love you so much for that!  That teaching has given me a tenacity in life to take care of what needs to be taken care of along with a loyalty and committment that few possess today!  Thank you!!!

8.   People that know you, love you!!!  You have always been the rock in our family and in my friendships I've shared throughout my life.  My friends would always come to you for life advice because you would share your mistakes and be so open and real with them.  My close friends still come to you!  For many of my friends that have lost their mom's, you've become a 2nd mom!  You are an amazing woman that has soooo much to offer! 

9.  You, my precious mother, love much!!  You believe in people!!  You can look at the worst mess someone has made of their lives and see potential where others just walk away!!  You've taught me to stick with the underdog by your example!  You've shown me that when you believe in someone, GREAT MIRACLES happen!  You've taught me to stand with the ones who have been rejected and cast off!!  I've been this way since I was a little girl...whether it was some kid picking on another kid that couldn't stand up for themselves or the church I grew up in was calling people out on their "sin" from the pulpit!  I wouldn't stand for it then and I won't stand for it now!  Thank you for showing me by action what love can do!!!  I've seen so many people throughout the years, that you've invested your life in, get turned around and become a success.  Your love always pointed them to Jesus!!! 

10.  There are a bazillion more things I can think of that I could tell you and I know I have throughout the years, but I'll close with this....Thank you for always believing in me no matter what!  When I haven't believed in myself, you have believed!  You've put your money where your mouth is soooo many times.  Spending your last dollar for me to audition for "Kids for Wisconsin" and even though I didn't make it (they sure wanted me to and even gave me a second chance...I just couldn't get that dance down..ugh), to literally investing thousands of dollars in this last CD project!  You are with me all the way!!!  I cannot tell you how amazing it was to have you there, in the studio in Nashville, supporting me and encouraging me and praying for me!!!  Then to invest in my friend Mandy as well.....YOU BELIEVED IN US!!!  YOU GAVE US WINGS TO FLY!!!  Throughout my entire life you've invested in the lives of others, helping them to cultivate their gift of music!  I follow in your footsteps!!  Mom, you truly are the most amazing woman!!!  I'm honored to call you Mother!!!  I love you.......I love sharing life with you....and I hope we have many more years to travel this road called life...TOGETHER!!!

With all my love,

Tammy

Live, Love, and Praise Loud

I've come to a place in my life that I've determined this next half of life, will be my best half!  I've summed up this next half with these 5 words...."Live, Love, and Praise Loud!" 

The biggest part of charting a course for your life is to KNOW yourself!  Know your inner core and basically inner character.  It's discovering who you really are, what you like, what you dislike, what your passionate about, what your not, and then choosing to live out of that character, full throttle! 

God fashioned me with certain characteristic qualities when He created me.  I believe I spent the first 30 years of my life both fighting those qualities as well as figuring out those qualities.  Surprise!  By the time I hit my mid-30's I started becoming quite comfortable with me.  They say that's when it begins to happen.  By my late-30's, I began to fully embrace myself as a whole...flaws and all!  So, here I am, nearing 41 years old and feel that I've got the foundation built in my life that I can now start building on!  So, this is just a blog about a few things I've learned in getting to this stage, which I might add is absolutely AMAZING!  I also want to encourage those in the journey called LIFE, thus my purpose for sharing!

What's it take to "Live" the life you desire....

A decision to live your authentic self!  It's simple really!  I made it so complicated the first half of my life.  Wow!  I do believe you have to take a journey of self-discovery...alone in my case!  I see so many people that are literally afraid to be alone.  I've been there...believe me.  They bounce from one relationship to another and think they've found the be all and end all in the arms of someone.  Meanwhile, they never take the time to discover who they really are by embracing every part of themselves...pain, hurt, victories, failures, successes, emotional baggage, relationship residue, like, dislikes, and on and on the story goes.  I can say to live the life you desire....you must take a journey of self discovery and not be afraid to be your authentic self...unashamed!

Love.....

Many people ask me, "Tammy, how are you so content being single?"  Well first, let me just tell you, that contentment was NOT an easy journey of discovery.  NOT AT ALL!  However, I can say it was completely worth it!  You see, in my youth, I didn't go without a relationship of some kind from the time I was like 10...I'm not joking at all!  I gave myself away over and over again from the time I was 13 until I was 23 years old, to receive what I refer to as false validation!  I depended on a guy to validate my worth!  Unfortunately, I did it in all the wrong ways and ended up feeling worthLESS!!  So, when I got pregnant with my daughter at the age of 23, I had some super, super, hard decisions to make.  One of the decisions would include not having a revolving door of men coming in and out of my life!  After I had my daughter Mikayla, in 1995, that decision was more difficult than I had anticipated because life as a single mom was emotionally and physically taxing.  I desired an emotional fix!!!  I, however, got a grip early on and said, nope, I'm not living with a revolving door!  So, I ultimately chose the single life.  For nearly 10 years I would pine inside of myself desiring a man's love....it was so, so, so, difficult.  I would cry and feel so unworthy and question why no one was looking my way, and feel that something was wrong with me.  Throughout those painful years, I chose to find my worth and value in the One who created me...God!  I studied His character, His immense love for me, and grew to love Him deeply, which in turn has led me to the place of complete contentment being single!  In fact, I absolutely LOVE my single life!  I'm free to do what I want, pursue goals I want, and create the life that I want!  The first half of my life, I overgave to other's to try and satisfy a deep hole in my soul.  I don't do that anymore!  So, do I see myself single forever?....I have no idea.  I can tell you I have absolutely no desire whatsoever at this stage in my life to be in a relationship.  That may change, but its completely ok with me if it doesn't.  So I've surrounded myself with amazing, authentic friendships, and experience love on a completely different level.

Praise Loud.....

Listen, one thing I've found in life is that you've gotta look for the good things!  We all have junk!  We all have issues and life circumstances that can knock us down, but let me tell you, there is always, always, always, something GOOD to find!  Always!  Years ago a pastor told me, "Tammy, if you can't find something good in your life, go out and find someone who is in a worse position than you are, serve them, and you'll find you'll become thankful real quick!  That advice has carried me through the toughest of times - and I can tell you I followed it!  To me praising loud is just letting your thankfulness drown out your sorrows!  Your attitude of gratitude can become the loudest voice in your life...if you choose!

So...this next half of life...choose to "Live, Love, and Praise Loud!"

Be encouraged.....You can have the life you desire!!!

TDahl

"What Did He Say About Me" - "I Will Give You Hope"

Excerpt from my 31 Day Devotional - "What Did He Say About Me"

“Daily Scripture:

Isaiah 61: 7 AMP

Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs.

Daily Devotion:

All promises from God are great! This promise however, is absolutely my favorite!!! My pastor recently preached a sermon on hope. When he used this scripture, he defined the word forfeited. Forfeited means, something surrendered due to an offense or error I’ve made. WOW!



Hope is the expectation of good



I’ve heard great preacher’s say, well if you sin; you better watch it, because God will curse you. Yes, I’ve heard that with my own ears! Now don’t get me wrong I believe strongly in consequences to our actions! When we sin there are consequences. However, it’s not God getting you! God has set up both natural and spiritual laws within the earth. He’s given man (and woman) dominion in the earth, but all humanity is governed by these laws. Jesus became the curse for us, so we don’t walk around cursed by God. However, we choose life or death constantly. Anytime we obey God, we’ve chosen life. Just like anytime we disobey God, then we’ve chosen death. The consequences of sin bring a “death” to our life because we can’t experience God’s fullness while we are in disobedience. It’s not God withholding it from us, it is literally our inability to receive what He’s already given us! Sin causes us to have a heart of stone. When we repent, which simply means to change our minds and choose life, our heart then becomes open to God’s way! However, many times, because we feel guilty and ashamed we still are unable to receive the goodness of God! Yet, when we feel guilt and shame, we are really taking upon ourselves, what Jesus already took upon Himself! We are taking back the curse because we identify ourselves by our deeds! Jesus said right before He died, “it is finished,” yet we keep taking what was finished two thousand years ago, back!

If we’ve truly repented; changed our minds and let God into our weakness, whatever that may be, then what we need to do, is identify ourselves by the deeds of Christ. We simply need to agree with what God says!



As a child I was taught not to take the Lord’s name in vain. This was defined by the words “God, Gosh, Geez, etc.” In fact, if I said “Oh my God,” I was instructed that I was in sin and that I needed to repent! Well, years ago as I was training up my child in the way she should go, the Lord spoke to me one day and challenged me with what that commandment really meant. I was like, well God; this is what I’ve been taught. The Lord then taught me something. God spoke to me and said that what that scripture really meant was that anytime we don’t agree with what He declares, we are taking His name in vain. It made perfect sense to me. In order to see ourselves as God sees us, we need to agree with what He says! So when faced with difficulties, life challenges or decisions we must ask ourselves, what does God say about this?

 



Well we know that He says instead of our former shame we shall have a twofold recompense. That means we get double the good for the bad!! Many people will challenge that and say well this works only if someone else had taken something from you or has done something bad to you. I believe that, but that’s not the entire promise. I think it’s easy to believe that things will get restored to you if someone else is the cause, however let’s take a look at the word forfeited! Forfeited means something we caused! That means when we’re the common denominator in the mistake, we still will be restored double when we choose to agree with God! Does that not make hope come alive in your heart? Hope is the expectation of good! Expect good when you begin to agree with what God says!

Tammy L. Dahl

Copyright 2006